Device for fastening coffins



(N0. Moo':lel.)

- w. HAMILTON.

DEVICE FOR FASTENING GOFFINS.

No. 345,685. Patented July 20, 1886.

I l i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM HAMILTON, OF ALLEGHENY CITY, PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVICE FOR FASTENiNG COFFINS.

QEPECIPICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 345,685, dated July 20, 1886.

' Application filed May 27, 18516. Serial No. 203,414. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM HAMILTON, of Allegheny City, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful.Improvement in Fastening Devices for Coffins; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in which Figure l is a side view of a eoffin provided with my improved fastening device. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan View of the lid. Fig. 3 is a detached perspective view of the fastening device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of that part of the fastening device which is on the side of the coffin. Fig. 5 is a vertical crosssection on the line ac m of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a side detail view ofa modified form ofthe catch. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are drawn on a larger scale than are Figs. 1 and 2.

Like symbols of referenceindicatelike parts in each.

In the drawings, 2 indicates the coflin-body,

and 3 is the lid. Projecting from the sides of the coffin at the upper edges arelugs 4, whose rear ends are preferably beveled on the under side, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. On the under side of the coffiu-lid are lugs or catch-pieces 5, whose front ends are tapered, so that they are counterparts of and are adapted to engage with the inclined lugs 4. On the under side of the coffialid, a little in advance of one of the opposite pair of the lugs 5, are springs 6, which are screwed to the lid at points b, and project outward transversely of the length of the coffinlid.

The operation is as follows: The lid is set upon the coffin so that thelugs 5 shall be back of the lugs 4, and the undertaker presses the projecting spring-catches 6 upward into recesses 0, made for that purpose in the under side of t-helid. The lid is then pushed forward until the inclined faces of the lugs engage each other, as shown in Figs. '1 and 3, and the springs 6 being then released spring into pla in front of the lugs 4. Thelid is then secure locked in place, for the spring-catches preve: its being drawn back, while the lugs 4 and prevent its being raised or pushed forward.

In the drawings I have shown but two of tl springs 6; but, if desired, there may be fourone for each ofthe lugs on the lid.

This fastening device is sure and noisele in its action, and is otherwise well adapted f1 eoffins where the points to be desired are uea ness of appearance and quiet and quick 1n: nipulation. The locking-lugs, being on tl outside of the casket, are easily seen by the u dertaker, and no time need be lost and no COi fusion need occur in adjusting and fastenir the lid, since, when the lid is placed on tl' casket so that itslugs shall be on the outsi( of the casket and is pushed forward, the in; will automatically adjust themselves.

If desired, thclugs 4 and 5 need nothe be eled, but may be shaped as shown in Fig. 4 each being provided with a tongue adapted 1 interlock with the tongue of the other.

I claim 1. Asafas'tcning device for caskets, the con bination, with the casket and its lid, of a lug 4, on the casket, and a lug, 5, on the lid, a ranged to interlock with each other, and spring arranged to engage the end of one 1 said lugs, substantially as for the purposr described.

2. As a fastening device for caskets, the con biuation, with the casket and its lid, oflug situate on the opposite outer sides of tl" casket, and lugs 5 on the lid arranged to i1 terlock with the casket-lugs by fittingagain: the under faces of the latter, substantially and for the pn rposcs described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Si my hand this 25th day of May, A. D. 1886.

WILLIAM HAMILTON.

Vitnesses:

W. B. CORWIN, .THoMAs W. BAKEWELL. 

